Camping Near Flagstaff Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 12, 2026.

Camping near Flagstaff combines cool high-country weather, ponderosa pine forests, mountain scenery and easy access to lakes, hiking trails and Northern Arizona attractions. Most public camping opportunities are located in Coconino National Forest around the San Francisco Peaks, Lake Mary, Mormon Lake and surrounding forest country, while Fort Tuthill County Park provides convenient camping close to downtown Flagstaff. Campground seasons, forest-road access and fire restrictions can change throughout the year, so always check current conditions before your trip.

• Best Campgrounds
• San Francisco Peaks Camping
• Lake Mary Area Camping
• Fort Tuthill Camping
• Dispersed Camping
• Best Time To Camp
• Camping Tips
• FAQ

Best Campgrounds Near Flagstaff

• Bonito Campground: Convenient forest camping northeast of Flagstaff near Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.
• Lockett Meadow Campground: Primitive camping in the San Francisco Peaks with aspen scenery; access and operating status can be limited, so check current conditions before visiting.
• O'Leary Group Campground: Group camping in the volcanic landscape northeast of Flagstaff.
• Ashurst Lake & Forked Pine Campgrounds: Lakeside camping with fishing, paddling and views of the San Francisco Peaks.
• Canyon Vista Campground: Forest camping near Lower Lake Mary, Walnut Canyon and nearby hiking trails.
• Lakeview Campground: Camping near Upper Lake Mary with access to fishing and water recreation.
• Pine Grove Campground: Ponderosa pine camping along the Lake Mary Road recreation corridor.
• Dairy Springs & Double Springs: Forest camping near Mormon Lake and surrounding hiking opportunities.
• Fort Tuthill County Park Campground: Tent and RV camping only minutes from Flagstaff with convenient access to city services.

Camping Near The San Francisco Peaks

The San Francisco Peaks rise immediately north of Flagstaff and provide some of the area's most dramatic forest and mountain scenery. Campgrounds and dispersed-camping areas around the Peaks provide access to hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing and scenic drives.

Bonito Campground and O'Leary Group Campground are among the developed Forest Service camping options northeast of Flagstaff. Lockett Meadow offers a more primitive setting high in the Peaks, but road access and campground status can change seasonally and after severe weather.

Little Elden Spring Horse Camp is another Forest Service facility in the area, but it is specifically intended for campers traveling with horses rather than general tent or RV camping.

Lake Mary & Mormon Lake Area Camping

The Lake Mary Road corridor southeast of Flagstaff provides some of the area's best combinations of camping, fishing, boating, hiking and high-country scenery. Developed campgrounds are located near Ashurst Lake, Upper Lake Mary and Mormon Lake, with additional recreation opportunities throughout the surrounding Coconino National Forest.

• Ashurst Lake & Forked Pine Campgrounds: Lakeside campsites with fishing and water recreation at Ashurst Lake.
• Canyon Vista Campground: Located near Lower Lake Mary with access to nearby trails and forest scenery.
• Lakeview Campground: Provides convenient access to Upper Lake Mary and the Wood Memorial Trail.
• Pine Grove Campground: Forest campground surrounded by ponderosa pine and high-country meadows.
• Dairy Springs & Double Springs: Camping near Mormon Lake with nearby trails and forest recreation.

Kinnikinick Lake Camping Restrictions

Kinnikinick Lake is a popular day-use destination for fishing and wildlife viewing, but the former Kinnikinick Campground is no longer an overnight campground. The Forest Service converted the site to day use, and overnight camping is prohibited within one mile of the lake. Campers interested in this area should use other legal Forest Service camping locations and verify current motor-vehicle and camping restrictions before setting up camp.

Camping At Fort Tuthill County Park

Fort Tuthill County Park is one of the most convenient camping choices near Flagstaff, located just south of the city near Interstate 17. The campground accommodates both tents and RVs and provides easy access to Flagstaff restaurants, shopping, attractions and outdoor recreation.

The campground currently has 101 campsites plus four group-camping areas. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with nearby portable toilets and water spigots. Eight RV sites provide water and sewer hookups, but electrical hookups and shower facilities are not available.

Fort Tuthill is also a major county recreation and event complex and hosts the annual Coconino County Fair over Labor Day weekend.

Dispersed Camping Near Flagstaff

Coconino National Forest provides dispersed-camping opportunities outside developed campgrounds, but camping is not permitted everywhere. Year-round camping and campfire restrictions apply to National Forest lands immediately surrounding Flagstaff, and additional restrictions apply in areas such as Kachina Village and Pumphouse Wash.

Use only legal camping locations and designated motorized routes, and check the current Coconino National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map before traveling. Some forest roads can become muddy, snow-covered or impassable during monsoon season and winter.

• Confirm that camping is permitted at your chosen location before setting up.
• Stay on roads and areas legally open to motor vehicles.
• Do not create new roads or drive across meadows and vegetation.
• Pack out all trash and leave the campsite cleaner than you found it.
• Follow current campfire restrictions and wildfire closures.
• Do not rely on finding potable water at dispersed campsites.
• Avoid muddy forest roads during or immediately after heavy rain.

Campfires & Forest Fire Restrictions

Campfire rules in Coconino National Forest can change quickly with wildfire conditions. Restrictions may limit fires to developed campground fire rings or prohibit them entirely during periods of extreme danger.

Never assume a campfire is permitted because a fire ring is present. Check current Coconino National Forest alerts and fire restrictions immediately before your trip and again after arriving if conditions are changing.

Best Time To Camp Near Flagstaff

Spring: Late spring can provide mild daytime temperatures, but snow, mud and closed forest roads may affect higher-elevation campgrounds.

Summer: Summer is the most popular camping season, with mild high-country temperatures and broad campground access. Afternoon monsoon thunderstorms can produce heavy rain, lightning and muddy roads.

Fall: Cooler weather and changing leaves make early fall an excellent time to camp, particularly around the San Francisco Peaks. Nights can become cold quickly.

Winter: Many developed forest campgrounds and roads close or become inaccessible because of snow. Winter camping requires careful planning and verification of current access.

Types Of Camping Near Flagstaff

• Tent Camping: Available at many developed Forest Service campgrounds and Fort Tuthill County Park.
• RV Camping: Available at Fort Tuthill and selected forest campgrounds, although hookups are limited or unavailable at many Forest Service sites.
• Group Camping: Available at designated facilities such as O'Leary Group Campground and Fort Tuthill group areas.
• Horse Camping: Little Elden Spring Horse Camp is specifically designed for campers traveling with horses.
• Dispersed Camping: Available in selected National Forest areas subject to current camping, road and fire restrictions.

Flagstaff Camping Tips

• Check campground and forest-road status before leaving Flagstaff.
• Reserve popular campsites early when reservations are offered.
• Bring warm clothing even during summer because nighttime temperatures can drop quickly.
• Carry rain protection during summer monsoon season.
• Bring drinking water unless the campground specifically confirms potable water is available.
• Check current wildfire and campfire restrictions before starting any fire.
• Store food and trash securely and never feed wildlife.
• Use established campsites and stay on designated roads.
• Pack out all trash when camping in primitive or dispersed areas.

Flagstaff Camping Information

Flagstaff Ranger Station
5075 N. Highway 89
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(928) 526-0866

Coconino National Forest Supervisor's Office
1824 S. Thompson St.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(928) 527-3600

Coconino National Forest

Flagstaff Camping FAQ

Where are the best campgrounds near Flagstaff?

Popular choices include Bonito Campground, Ashurst Lake and Forked Pine Campgrounds, Canyon Vista, Lakeview, Pine Grove and Fort Tuthill County Park. The best choice depends on whether you want mountain, lake, RV, group or more primitive camping.

Can you camp in Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff?

Yes. Coconino National Forest has developed campgrounds and legal dispersed-camping opportunities near Flagstaff, but some areas have year-round camping restrictions. Check current Forest Service rules before selecting a site.

Can you camp at Kinnikinick Lake?

No overnight camping is allowed within one mile of Kinnikinick Lake. The former campground was converted to a day-use site.

Does Fort Tuthill have RV camping?

Yes. Fort Tuthill County Park accommodates RVs and tents. A limited number of RV sites provide water and sewer hookups, but electrical hookups and showers are not available.

When is the best time to camp near Flagstaff?

Late spring through early fall generally provides the widest campground access. Summer is especially popular, while spring snow, summer monsoon storms and early fall freezes can affect conditions.

Are campfires allowed near Flagstaff?

Campfire rules depend on current wildfire conditions and location. Restrictions can change quickly, so check current Coconino National Forest fire restrictions before starting a campfire.

Can you camp near the San Francisco Peaks?

Yes. Developed and dispersed camping opportunities are available around the San Francisco Peaks, subject to campground status, road access and camping restrictions.

Do Flagstaff campgrounds have drinking water?

Some developed campgrounds provide water seasonally, while others do not. Never assume potable water will be available; check the specific campground and carry enough water for your stay.

Flagstaff High Country